Reviewed October 6, 2026 · BetterBuyWay
A newsletter discount sounds like an easy win. Sign up, get a code, pay less.
But less than what?
The useful comparison is between buying options—not between a retailer’s original price and its discounted one. These Bialetti × Bridgerton cups show why.
Start with the same product
On October 6, 2026, Macy’s listed the six-cup porcelain set with its stand for $40.00. Bialetti’s U.S. website listed its Bridgerton stackable cup set for $49.99. Before ordering, check that the selected design and set contents match. [1] [2]
Now suppose you receive a 10% Bialetti first-order code and checkout accepts it for this set. This is a conditional example, not confirmation that the offer currently applies.
The calculation is:
$49.99 × 0.90 = $44.99, rounded to the nearest cent.
That saves about $5 against Bialetti’s listed price. It still leaves the cups $4.99 more expensive than the Macy’s listing, before shipping and tax.
The discount can be genuine without being the better buying option.
Shipping changes the comparison
Macy’s offers free Star Rewards Bronze membership without requiring a Macy’s credit card. Eligible Bronze orders qualify for free standard shipping at $39. Other shoppers generally need a $49 basket; below that threshold, the published standard shipping charge for the continental U.S. is $10.95. Exclusions and surcharges can apply. [3] [4] [5]
For these cups, that produces three different calculations:
| Buying option | Item price | Item plus standard shipping, before tax |
|---|---|---|
| Macy’s, eligible Bronze order | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| Macy’s, guest without a qualifying shipping benefit | $40.00 | $50.95 |
| Bialetti, if the 10% code applies | $44.99 | $44.99 plus the checkout shipping charge |
Bialetti’s product page advertises free delivery for orders over $75. This single set does not reach that threshold, so its delivery charge needs to be checked for your address. [2]
For an eligible Macy’s Bronze order, the comparison is straightforward: $40 before tax beats $44.99 even before adding Bialetti’s shipping.
Without the membership benefit, the answer depends on Bialetti’s delivery quote. Don’t assume the lower item price automatically means the lower total.
Don’t buy something unnecessary to “save” on delivery
The $40 Macy’s basket is $9 short of the guest free-shipping threshold. Adding something you already need could make sense.
Adding something you don’t need is another purchase.
Compare the basket you intended to buy with the larger basket. Include delivery in both. Free shipping is useful only when the final spending makes sense.
What to check before paying
Match the product and set contents. Confirm that any code actually applies. Sign in to the account linked to your shipping benefits. Then compare the final checkout totals, including tax.
For an international order, continue the calculation beyond the U.S. checkout: forwarding, import charges and other delivery costs may change the result.
The better deal is the buying option that works out best for your actual order—not the one with the biggest discount badge.
Prices and shipping conditions checked October 6, 2026. Confirm current terms before purchasing.